Every Tribe
You Are Invited
Has your identity, or a difference in ability, learning, or communication, shaped your connection to Jewish life, whether for you or someone in your family? If so, your story matters, and we would be honored to hear it.
Sharing and recording your story is a chance to reflect on your own journey and your family’s:
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What was difficult and painful?
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What were the moments of discovery and joy?
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What did you learn?
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What was lost, and what was gained?
Learning of the experiences of others can add meaning to our own journeys – and remind us that we are not alone, and that others have walked similar paths.
“Each According to Its Blessing”
(Genesis 49:28)
Every Tribe
The Jewish people is magnificent in its diversity and that diversity is its strength. In the Bible, before he died, Jacob blessed each of his sons – the fathers of the twelve tribes – each according to his own blessing. No two blessings were alike, and none was lesser.
Jewish communities and organizations have made significant strides in welcoming people with physical and cognitive differences, providing accommodations, and embracing LGBTQ+ individuals.
Yet there are still tribes within the Jewish people who may find themselves at the margins — individuals who are neurodivergent, Deaf, or blind, or who live with physical or intellectual disabilities, and people who are LGBTQ+. Many have found the Jewish community unwelcoming or unable to meet their needs: an autistic child turned away from the community day school, a Deaf child with no ASL interpreter at summer camp. Some have stepped away from Jewish life altogether.
But, as we have learned, that is only half the story. These same experiences can draw us closer to Jewish life. There can be majesty to each of our journeys – in the meaning, purpose, and spirituality found along the way.
We want to hear both sides of your journey -
the challenges and the majesty
Who We Are
We are David Raphael and Dennis Kirschbaum, and we know this journey firsthand. David and his wife raised an autistic son and strived to ensure that Judaism would be central to his life. He attended Jewish day schools and Jewish camps, and spent a gap year in Israel. Dennis and his wife raised two deaf children and overcame challenges to enable them to embrace their Jewish identities. For both of us, raising our unique and remarkable children deepened our commitment to Jewish life.
We started this project because we believe these stories deserve to be heard for the benefit of all members of our Jewish communities.
Who Can Participate
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Jewish individuals who are neurodivergent, Deaf or blind, or who live with physical or intellectual disabilities – including those with the most significant needs.
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Jewish individuals who are LGBTQ+.
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Anyone whose identity or life experience has shaped their connection to Jewish life and the Jewish community.
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Their family members – parents, siblings, spouses, children, and others.
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Those who are deeply involved in Jewish life and those who have stepped away from it.
What's Involved
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A conversation. You’ll share your story in a conversation with a member of the Jewish Story Project team, a family member, or someone you know. Most conversations take between 30 and 45 minutes.
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Where and how. In person, or remotely by Zoom or another video call. You can also record your story on your own computer or phone and upload it.
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Bring someone if you like. You’re welcome to have a family member or support person with you.
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Tell us what you need, and we’ll do our best to provide it – for example, an ASL interpreter, live captioning, breaks, or other ways to communicate.
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Your recording. It is transcribed and stored securely on the TheirStory.io platform, and you can view it on your own computer or smartphone.
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No cost. There is no cost to participate.
Your Story - Your Choice
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Your recording is private by default.
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You decide whether any part of your story is shared, and with whom. Consent forms are built into the platform.
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You can change your mind or withdraw your story at any time.
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With your permission, your story may be included when we look for common themes across many stories. These themes help us understand shared experiences without identifying you.
Our Goals
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A place where your voice is heard – knowing the Jewish community is listening.
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Greater understanding across the Jewish community of the diversity and richness of the Jewish people.
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With participants’ permission, key themes and selected excerpts will be shared with Jewish community leaders, research organizations, and Jewish periodicals – to promote awareness and greater inclusion in Jewish communal life.
In the future, with funding, selected stories may be presented at Jewish museums, exhibitions, or national gatherings.
Get in touch
Email us:
David Raphael - david@jewish-story-project.org
Dennis Kirschbaum - dennis@jewish-story-project.org
Or send a message using the form below